Nearing the End

                I understand that there are good and bad things in each experience; however, at the beginning of May, the bad started outweighing the good and it was time to leave Uganda and return to my life in Colorado.  Time and time again I was given signs that it would be best to move on.  I could put up with the never-ending frustrations of everyday life, the disorganization and miscommunication at work, and the constant emails from the U.S. Embassy indicating heightened security measures (i.e. walk-to-work protests and riots, Osama Bin Laden’s death and the subsequent threat to Americans living abroad, and the case of Ebola that was reported an hour from Kampala) IF I had the full support of my family and friends back home.  They had helped me get through many trials the past few months; yet, I suddenly found that circumstances had changed and it was now my role to support them.  My family needed me and I needed them.  I put in my two weeks and began wrapping up errands I had put off for months, handing over my responsibilities, and saying goodbye.

Britta and me sitting on her car on the road in front of my compound

Sadick, Peter, Samuel, and myself at work

Having lunch at Becky's canteen with Beatrice

The MUJHU (Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University) clinical team on my last day.  They unexpectedly and unnecessarily had a card (with a baby breast-feeding, of course) and gift for me.  Although I didn't see the clinical team every day, it was nice to see that the work I had been doing was appreciated and recognized.

Irene, our receptionist, wishing me farewell

My co-workers at Makerere University-Walter Reed Project congregated on my last day.  Public speaking is not an issue for Ugandans and many made speeches as a parting gift.

Deb and Stu at Boda Boda in Garden City

My final dinner in Uganda with Sadick, Juni, Sebastian, Samuel, Darlisha, and Tyreka

                After saying my goodbyes, I began my 30 hour trip back to the U.S.  To help me remember how life is in Uganda, my driver made sure that we ran out of petrol on our way to the airport.  Luckily, we ran out at the top of a hill that had a petrol station at the bottom of the hill.  We continuously honked as we gained momentum coasting down the hill.  A path had been cleared for our car and we rolled up to the petrol station.  The police gave me a parting gift by placing three police checkpoints between my house and the airport.  Only after being frisked and checked for bombs were we allowed to pass.  Like everything Ugandan, we arrived in the nick of time and I was on my way back to the U.S.

Upon arriving, I found my parents, the Ericksons, and the Netzers waiting for me at the airport.  Of course they had a giant sign, pom poms, and noise makers...

My friends also knew I had always wanted a sign to welcome me home.  On it was a list of all of my favorite things to do in Denver that we have to do before the end of summer.

                It’s nice to be home and surrounded by family and friends, although I already have begun missing Uganda.  Who knows, maybe I will go back someday J  Only time will tell.